Review: Spartacus Adjustable Broad Tip Clamps
I have quite a number of "beginner's" BDSM toys to review - a few days ago I reviewed a Wartenberg Wheel, and today I'm reviewing a pair of Spartacus Adjustable Broad Tip Clamps, also from Sextoy.com.
First, I guess a quick intro to nipple clamp types is in order: the three most common types I've seen so far are tweezer clamps, alligator clamps (and variations thereof), and clover clamps. These clamps are a type of alligator clamp. Tweezer and alligator clamps are more suitable for beginners, as adjustable versions are produced as well. Clover clamps are intense; they're heavier, are much more painful, and yanking on the connecting chain actually tightens them.
Tweezer clamps can be adjusted by sliding a metal piece up or down the tweezer part. I've never used tweezer clamps, but I expect them to be more difficult to adjust, because I imagine the metal piece might slide up or down if the clamps were jostled, or if you were slightly on the clumsy side. These broad tip clamps, as well as other alligator clamp models, are adjusted by a screw, which seems much easier to me, and once you adjust them, they stay in place.
Another difference is that tweezer clamps are narrower, thus don't clamp onto much flesh. I also own a pair of "eagle clamps" that are very similar to alligator clamps, except that the clamp area is pointed, not broad and flat. A narrower clamp means that the pressure is concentrated on a smaller area, so is probably slightly more intense. However, broader tips clamp onto more flesh, making them easier to use on tiny man-nipples. You can just pinch a big area of flesh - the aureole as well as the nipple - so it will stay on easier. One of the difficulties I had trying to use my eagle clamps on the Optimist was just getting them to stay on.
These clamps are also linked by a chain, which can be fun to yank on and lead your partner around with. Some clamps have vibrating bullets, or pretty colored beads, but I liked having the option to yank someone around by the nipples.
Basically, I picked these clamps as one of my first pairs because they seemed easier to use and more versatile than other types.
Pointed v.s. broad tips
So far, I've only used the clamps on myself. The "easy to use" part was only half true: the tips of the clamps are coated in black rubber, which probably prevents hard metal poking into your nipple. However, the coating coupled with the wideness of the clamps makes the clamps fall off easier when the chain is yanked, or if I have sweat on my skin. The adjustment screws were kind of long - a bit too long, actually, since you can't turn them all the way and open the clamps to that extent. The clamps just don't open that wide. The screws also aren't fixed in place, they have been slid through a hole in the clamp. I left these clamps loose (i.e. not in a storage baggie) in my toy drawer for a while, and one of the screws got detached and lost. Annoying. So now I store them in the plastic clamshell they came in.
Also, to adjust the clamps, you need to pinch the clamps open, and then turn the screw to the desired tension. If you don't hold the clamps open while adjusting them, the screw gets stuck. With my eagle clamps, I just have to turn the screw to adjust them. A moot point, perhaps, but I think it says something about Spartacus' design.
After being disappointed by the shoddy quality of one of their crops, I was suspicious of trying out another Spartacus product. But apparently, they make halfway decent clamps.
Specs:
- Type: Nipple clamp
- Clamp width: 0.4"
- Chain length: 12"
- Price @ sextoy.com: $11.70
Further reading:
- Nipple Clamps 101
- How to Play with Nipple Clamps
Three out of five hearts.
Review: Kinklab Wartenberg Pinwheel
The Kinklab Wartenberg Pinwheel from SexToy.com is a classic BDSM toy. It may look a little bit like a pizza-cutter (actually that's what J called it when he first saw it), but Wartenberg wheels were originally used to test neurological responses. It fell into disuse because of hygiene issues. Its medical-related background and appearance is part of its appeal to me; as is the lovely sensations it produces. Running it lightly over the skin results in a tickling or slight pricking sensation; if you exert heavy enough pressure, you can break the skin.
I tried it out with J. I got naked, and he gently ran the sharp tips over my back and arms, while I squirmed and giggled. Being naked while he was clothed, and having the steel points coasting all over me, was quite an enjoyable sensory experience. It's hard to describe. It felt like tickling, but very intense tickling concentrated on a very small area of skin. Then he moved on to my breasts and nipples, which definitely started to turn me on.
I teasingly ran the wheel over his arms a few times. He thought it was interesting; probably would get a bit overwhelming after a while, which was true for me. After about 15-20 minutes of tickling and poking, I had had enough.
I attempted some research on how to clean the wheel if you break a person's skin and then want to use it on someone else. Obviously, that can be dangerous since you're getting blood on the implement. Google yielded no results; I got the most responses from Twitter:
- soak it in a 10% bleach solution for 1-2 minutes
- boil it
- wipe it down with "medical wipes"
- sterilize it in an autoclave (can be found in tattoo parlors and used for a nominal fee); if any other method is used, wait at least 21 days before using on someone else
The best response I found was actually a comment by Mina made on Panthera Pardus' review of the same product:
I would sterilize it the same way doctors sterilize a lot of things. Go to the drug/grocery store and get yourself a bottle of betadine (or any brand of povidone iodine) It’s a general antibacterial sterilizer most commonly used to prep people for surgery. Put a little in a container and add water. You’ll want it to be a “tea” color. Put the wheel inside and let it soak for at least 10 min. The dry.
Just note that the povidone iodine will eventually stain the container after continual use. Make sure to rinse your hands after using it, but if you are trying to be completely sterile I would suggest wearing gloves while handling the wheel during the sterilizing process or washing your hands with the povidone iodine as well. May I also suggest using hot water.
I've yet to determine if this wheel is made of surgical-grade, non-porous steel, which is the only safe material that would be share-able. Couldn't find any information on Kinklab's website.
The wheel also comes with a nice leather sheath that snaps shut.
I really don't have much to say about this product; it either works for you or it doesn't, and I don't see much opportunity, or NEED, for variation of any sort on its basic shape and appearance.
I really like Wartenberg Pinwheels. I'm glad that I own one.
Specs:
- Type: BDSM/Medical fetish toy
- Length: 7"
- Material: Steel
- Price @ Sextoy.com: $14.85
Four out of five hearts!
Review: njoy Pure Wand
[via Dangerous Lilly]
Ah, the Pure Wand. The Holy Grail of g-spot toys. Sexbloggers far and wide have heralded it's magical, squirt-worthy properties. The many reviews that have already been written probably already adequately describe just how wonderful the Pure Wand is; nevertheless, I'm adding my perspective to the mix, hoping that it will enlighten at least a handful of people.
When Tickle offered to send me a Pure Wand to review, I actually cheered. I got it in the mail, hurriedly took it out of the package, and opened the trademark, elegant njoy black box with pink satin lining.
The Pure Wand was intimidating. It's not enormous or anything like that, but c'mon. It's 1.5lbs of steel. My first thought: you could probably kill someone if you clobbered them with it. My second: that hard, unyielding, heavy thing was meant for my pussy? The third: hmm, shiny steel is pretty sexy.
So it was intimidating, but in a very sexy sort of way.
For a while, I did nothing but open the box and take it out, admiring and feeling the weight. I have to admit, after hearing about the Pure Wand making women squirt, I worried a little about whether the Pure Wand would "work" on me or not. What if it didn't?
Anyway, I finally got around to trying it out. I put down a towel, just in case. I dabbed on a few drops of lube - I didn't need much with its smooth surface - and went to town.
The end with the small "ball" made for a good warm-up. It tickled, teased and tantalized my g-spot until my wrists began to ache. The large-ball-end was pretty heavy, and thrusting while holding that end for an extended amount of time is tiring.
I switched to the large-ball end. I thought it would be difficult for me to get it inside me, since I typically prefer small toys, but it slid in easily. And pressed against my g-spot firmly and insistently.
It was at this point that I experienced a strange sensation: I was overwhelmed with pleasure, but also felt like I needed to pee. I continued to thrust, but I was so distracted by the need-to-pee sensation that I knew there was no way I was going to come like that. So I copped out, held the Pure Wand still, and got myself off by rubbing my clit instead.
A quick Twit and Google search later revealed that the needing-to-pee sensation was a typical precursor to squirting. I'd have to get over the weirdness of it first, though. It's not that I worry about peeing by accident, but I just associate needing to pee with, well, the toilet. Which I don't find sexy at all.
Doesn't it make you horny just looking at it?
For some reason, the first time was the only time I felt the peeing-sensation with the Pure Wand. So, the Pure Wand didn't get me to squirt (it hasn't yet, anyway), but that hardly matters, because it feels so damn good. After the first long wank session, I've gotten off with the Pure Wand in under five minutes almost every time, unless I make a conscious effort to hold out. I love the firm pressure against my gspot. I love the weight of it in my hand. I love pulling it out of me and feeling how hot it is after warming up to match my body temperature. I love how cool and sudden it feels slipping inside me. I love the physical and psychological thrill of having steel inside me.
The Pure Wand is the only toy that has made me moan aloud while jacking off. And every time I was trying out the Pure Wand, my Twitter feed was literally a flutter with <3s; just ask my Tweeps.
It also works very well as an anal toy. I wasn't ready for the large-ball end, but the small-ball end feels great.
The Pure Wand does come with a bit of a learning curve (ahaha...), since its shape is quite unlike most dildos out there. I use the same kind of gentle rocking motion that I used with the Lelo Ella, instead of thrusting hard and fast, or trying to thrust with the curve of the dildo, which I did the first time I used it, but which served no purpose except to tire me out even faster.
Oh, also, since the Pure Wand is steel, i.e. nonporous, you can share it. Make sure to sterilize it via boiling, bleaching (with 10% solution) or dishwashing (top shelf, no soap) before sharing. Sterilize it as well if you've used it anally but want to use it vaginally the next time. Germs + vag = no.
So... the Pure Wand: it didn't make me squirt, but it does make me moan. And I fucking love it.
Specs:
- Type: Dildo
- Length: 8"
- Insertable Length: 7"
- Circumference: 5"
- Diameter: 1 1/2"
- Weight: 1.51lbs
- Material: Steel
- Price @ Tickle: $110
Five out of five hearts!
Review: Sliquid Organics Natural
It's been a while since a brand of lube has really wowed me. ID has been my go-to brand... until now. Sliquid has quickly become a fast favorite. I've been wanting to try out one of their lubes ever since I heard of their Organics line, and I was lucky enough to get a bottle of Sliquid Organics Natural from Babeland.com to try out.
I'm quite impressed by Sliquid as a company in general. They recently won an AVN award for outstanding lube; their lubes are all completely body safe: free of glycerin and parabens, 100% vegan, and can be used with condoms (i.e. none of their lubes are oil-based). Sliquid lubes are primarily marketed towards women. While some of this is a bit over the top at times ("the ultimate choice for people who love their body!", the main website is pastel pink, etc), I mostly appreciate their approach, especially after seeing so many stupid and condescending marketing ploys that are supposed to be attractive to women. I very much like the simple packaging labels and discreet lotus-venus-symbol logo. It doesn't scream "STEREOTYPICAL FEMININITY!" but is still pretty and elegant.
Their Organics line is, as the name suggests, completely organic, anti-animal testing... the bottle is even recyclable. If you're someone who is conscientious about the environment, and prefers to consume organic food & body products, you'll love this lube.
Sliquid Organics Natural is water-based, so can be used with any type of toy. It doesn't really smell or taste like anything - it's slightly bitter, and I can only smell a faint scent when I hold the bottle right up to my nose. The consistency was what I found most interesting: while some water-based lubes are very... watery, or sticky, this lube has an slight oil-like quality to it. Out of all the lubes I've tried, this lube feels the most similar to vaginal secretions.
The only downsides to this lube are: it dries out fairly quickly, which I discovered after using a few drops of it on my fingers while playing with my clit. It's also not thick enough for anal sex.
Overall, though, I really like this lube. Go do your part to help the planet, and buy some.
Specs:
Type: Water-based lube
Size: 4.2oz
Ingredients: Purified Water, Plant Cellulose (from Cotton), Aloe Barbadensis*, Natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Cyamopsis (Guar Conditioners), Extracts of Hibiscus*, Flax*, Green Tea* & Sunflower Seed*, Citric Acid (Citrus Fruits), Phenoxyethanol (Rose Ether) Click for more details
Price @ Babeland.com: $13
5 out of 5 hearts!
Review: Lelo Ella
Lelo is basically my favorite company when it comes to vibrators, but I've long wondered what the Ella, the one dildo in their product line, would be like. And whether or not it would hold up to my Tantus dildos, because I heart Tantus to no end.
Ella looks just as elegant and discreet as any of Lelo's other "pleasure objects." I don't dislike the way penises look, so I don't specifically want my dildos to look as un-penis-like as possible. My typical preference in dildos is in between realistic and abstract. However, I definitely appreciate the discreet beauty of Ella. It doesn't look like a dildo at all, and I'm confident that I can leave it lying around my room without my friends noticing it and making comments. With the Ella, you get the typical excellent Lelo treatment: Ella comes in a sleek black box, with an instruction booklet, one year warranty, and satin storage pouch.
via heyepiphora.tumblr.com
Ella is made out of hard silicone. The toy really doesn't have any give at all, except at the neck. I don't really recommend bending it too much because of how thin the neck is. The silicone material is finished off with Lelo's typical velvet matte, which feels great to touch. Before I jack off with Ella I always find myself fondling and caressing it just because the material feels so nice. Also, like other silicone toys, Ella is non-porous, pththalate-free, and can be shared. Just make sure to sterilize it with a 10% bleach solution, boil it, or throw it in the dishwasher (top drawer, no soap) before sharing.
Both ends of the dildo can be used: the G-spot end, that looks exactly like that of the Lelo Gigi, and the pointy end. I did not much like the pointy end. Why? Because just by looking at it, I completely expected that it would feel like my vagina was getting poked. And that's exactly what it felt like. That end of the toy does have a nice curve to it, and feels quite filling and pleasant, but that point coupled with the hard silicone is just uncomfortable. Also, there are two tiny LELO insignias stamped onto either side of this end. Lube can easily get stuck there, which makes cleaning a little difficult. (I'd recommend using n old toothbrush.) This end makes for a nice handle, though. Well, except for when I try to grab onto it with lube-y hands. The smooth surface makes it extremely slippery when it's lubed up.
The G-spot end was what I was most excited to try. Gigi was the toy that lead me to find and play with my G-spot for the first time, and actually have a G-spot orgasm (that I was aware of, anyway). I had high hopes that Ella would grace me with the same result. Like with the Gigi, I had to do some initial maneuvering in order to hit my G-spot. I typically push dildos inside me up to a certain depth, because that's what feels the most comfortable. However, using the Gigi or Ella requires me to push just that little bit more. After that, however, Ella zeroes in on my G-spot perfectly. I'd been reading that there was a bit of a learning curve with Ella, and I found that to be true too. Its sharp curve catches on my public bone a little bit if I thrust hard and deep like I usually do, so I had to thrust shallowly, or use a sort of rocking motion, so that I was lightly pummeling my G-spot with the head of the toy. Once I figured out how to use it, though, I happily jacked off with Ella until I felt the familiar sensation of a G-spot orgasm washing over me; spreading over my body from deep within my cunt.
I don't think it's a toy for everyone, though. For one thing, it's a bit on the small side. The shape is perfect for G-spotting, but I would almost prefer if the toy was a little thicker, just so that I could have more to clench around. And if you're a size queen, the Ella probably wouldn't be enough for you.
But Ella passed my test, alright. This toy makes me want to stretch out my wank session and really enjoy every minute of it.
Specs:
- Type: Dildo
- Size: 7" x 1-1.5" at widest point
- Material: Silicone
- Color @ Babeland.com: Deep Rose
- Colors @ Lelo.com: White, Black, Deep Rose
- Price @ Babeland.com: $44
4 out of 5 hearts!
Review: P Style
The P Style is one of those random, really convenient ideas that comes up during conversation, and then everyone wonders why no one has invented it yet. The difference with the P Style is that someone did invent it. The P Style, as Babeland puts it, is a "compact and convenient Stand to Pee device, or STP." It's a simple piece of brightly colored plastic that allows people to, well, pee standing up.
When I first checked out the P Style, I assumed it was for pre-op FTM transgendered folk who preferred to pee standing up, but didn't have the plumbing for it. Besides that, though, the P Style comes in useful for female-bodied persons under many different circumstances. If you go camping a lot, it beats squatting on the ground to pee. If you're into watersports, the P Style would probably make it easier to control your pee-stream. Babeland also mentions that it would be useful for male-bodied persons who have disabilities, who have hypospadias, who have undergone surgery, etc. Heck, I've even thought that it would make a pretty good funnel for transferring liquids into a narrow-necked bottle.
You use the P Style by putting the "cup" side under your vagina, and the "pointy" side pointing towards the toilet. You can wash it with hot water and soap, or in the dishwasher or washing machine. The instruction card in the P Style package encourages you to sanitize it if you have an infection, and I assume if you wanted to share it, too.
My P Style came in a pleasant shade of emerald green. I've never actually felt the need to pee standing up, but I was interested in how well the P Style would work, so off to the bathroom I went to conduct several little experiments.
Pulling panties down completely/pulling up skirt and pulling panties down: Peeing standing up feels weird. I felt worried that I'd get pee on my clothes, but that didn't happen. The pee flowed down the P Style and into the toilet, like it was supposed to. It was very easy to use. The P Style instruction card advertises that the P Style "eliminates the need for TP", you can just do a few kegels to get rid of the remaining drops, and them off with the back of the P Style, but alas, I didn't feel like that was clean enough so I ended up using toilet paper anyway.
Pulling jeans down and keeping panties on: Pulling the crotch of my panties to one side and putting the P Style in place also worked pretty well. I would have kept my jeans on and just pulled the fly down, but I was wearing women's jeans so the zipper didn't come down far enough. Maybe it would work if I was wearing a pair of men's jeans with one of those big-ass zippers.
Pulling jeans down and keeping boxers on: What if I were GQ/trans and preferred to wear boxers? I donned the only pair of boxers I own, complete with dick-window. I unbuttoned the dick-window, stuck the P Style inside, and peed. It worked. Yay!
I did not try using it out of doors, though it would probably work just as well. I am not an outdoorsy person at all and would only pee in the bushes if I absolutely had to...
The only problem I've found with the P Style is its size. Whereas it's not completely obvious what it's for, I imagine standing at the sink in a public restroom to wash it would get you a few raised eyebrows. It's also too bulky to carry around with you all the time. It's small enough to fit in a bag, a glove compartment, or a really big pocket, but most jeans pockets are too small.
A P Style in the pocket.
I don't have a personal use for it - I'm actually giving it to a blogger friend who camps a lot - but I think it's a great idea, it's affordable, and would be very useful for someone who wanted to pee standing up, but lacks the means to.
Specs:
- Length: 7.5"
- Material: Plastic
- Colors @ Babeland.com: various (you can't pick, unfortunately)
- Price @ Babeland.com: $12
4 out of 5 hearts!
Review: Lovemoiselle Cecile
The Lovemoiselle Cecile from TabuToys falls short as a vibrator, and yet I wanted to marry it after the first time I used it, and it has been my go-to toy for about a month. Cecile is a luxury toy in every sense of the word - it isn't meant for a quick-and-dirty wank break, it's meant to be enjoyed. Preferably with aromatic candles and mood music.
Cecile is made of ceramic - a material I've never tried before and was very excited about - and is aesthetically beautiful. I admire the minimalist, elegant design - white, with two small flower motifs. The vibe tapers out to the battery compartment, getting gradually wider, so it looks quite like a flower itself.
It comes in an equally elegant box, with an information booklet and a velvet storage pouch. I don't use the pouch, because it isn't padded, so I'm paranoid that it won't be enough to protect Cecile from cracking or breaking. The box, however, is a perfect storage unit. It's pretty small and comes with a foam "mould" that Cecile rests in, preventing it from being jostled around. The booklet provided me with useful info about the toy, ceramic as a sex toy material, and how to take care of it. The same info can be found on Lovemoiselle's website.
Ceramic, as a sex toy material, is excellent. Unlike silicone, it's hard and unyielding, but much lighter than steel. It can be heated up and cooled down. It's also non-porous, and can be sterilized with 10% bleach solution or alcohol. You can't boil it or put it in the dishwasher, though, because of the electrical components. Well, you could probably just dip the shaft into a pot of boiling water, I suppose.
I had my own preconceptions about ceramic. I expected Cecile to be fragile, which didn't turn out to be the case. Cecile definitely feels very solid, and I have no qualms about putting it inside me and thrusting away. However, be careful not to drop Cecile, and don't abruptly expose it to drastically different temperatures.
What's nice about Cecile is that it doubles up as a dildo as well as a vibrator. I first tried it out as a dildo. Cecile felt pleasantly cool (thanks, cold Northern winter) sliding into me, but warmed up quickly to my body temperature. As I thrust Cecile in and out of me, it felt like this... smoothness inside me, not an object. And, god, is Cecile smooth. Compared to silicone, it's hard and sleek, and only needs a dab of lube in order to be used comfortably. Cecile also has light ridges, which make the sensation of the Cecile that much better.
I've never really understood the point of straight-shafted toys. I mean, the G-spot exists, shouldn't every toy be made to pinpoint it? I'd prefer Cecile to be more curved than it is, but by angling the toy, or my hips, I was able to hit my G-spot pretty easily. Also, in other reviews I've read, some bloggers have complained that the toy being wider at the base was uncomfortable. But since I can't even get that much of the toy inside me in the first place (typically when I use toys I only fit about 5 inches of them inside me) I didn't have that problem.
Cecile as a dildo was amazing. I really can't articulate why, but it feels so good that I want to use it on myself over and over again.
Now, as a vibrator, Cecile doesn't perform quite as well.
The toy takes two AAA batteries (not included), and the battery compartment twists off very easily. (After experiences with annoying, fiddly compartments, I've come to appreciate ones that actually work.) The vibrations are controlled by a single button on the base - press it to turn it on, then keep pressing to cycle through the modes, and press it for a few seconds to turn it off. I appreciated that I didn't have to cycle through all of the settings to turn it off, which you have to do with some vibrators. I don't grasp the base in order to thrust, I use the tapered end of the ceramic to do that, but if you prefer to hold onto the base, you might have some trouble with pressing the button by accident.
Cecile has five different vibration settings:
- constant - low intensity
- constant - high intensity
- pulsations - high intensity
- pulsations - low - medium - high - [pause] - high - high - high
- pulsations - high intensity - long - short - short - short - short - long
For some reason I expected Cecile to rattle really loudly because it was made of ceramic. Don't ask me why I expected that; most vibes are made of plastic, which is a hard material, and those don't rattle. Cecile is a little on the loud side, though, to the extent that I'm a little worried about my neighbor hearing me use it. Thin walls.
Here's a video of Cecile's vibrations:
I tried Cecile both on my clit and inside me. The vibrations weren't strong enough for my clit. And coming from me, this says a lot. Compared to other sex bloggers I know, I don't need very strong vibrations to get off. I'm able to get off from a Lelo vibe on a medium setting, when many sex bloggers complain about even the highest setting being too weak. Internally, Cecile didn't do it for me. Vibrations on my internal walls don't really do much, and I couldn't maneuver Cecile to vibrate well against my G-spot. The last two of Cecile's settings just confused my vagina. They're too complicated.
I adore Cecile. Thrusting it in and out of me, with Mia on my clit, makes for one luxurious orgasm indeed. However, as a vibrator it doesn't quite cut it.
Specs:
- Type: Traditional vibrator
- Length: 8"
- Diameter: 1.5"
- Material: Ceramic
- Vibrations: 2 speeds + 3 pulsation patterns
- Other features: slightly ridged
- Powered by: 2 AAA batteries
- Color: White with lavender accents
- Price @ TabuToys.com: $97
4 out of 5 hearts.
Contest: Why do I want Ina?
Babeland.com is giving away a Lelo Ina to Babeland.com affiliates, and I need to describe in 50 words or less why I want it. Here goes:
I've always wanted to try a rabbit vibe, but they scare me with their resemblance to alien tentacles. Ina does not look like a tentacle. She is gorgeous, comes in three candy-colors, and is made by the maker of my favorite vibrator (Gigi). How could I not want?
CNCXAKVJSBYM
Contest: New decade, new butt plug
Epiphora is giving away a gorgeous butt plug: the NobEssence Romp! It is truly a thing of beauty, and according to Epiphora, it's the best plug ever.
Want to win one of your own? (I definitely do, which is the point of this post really...)
Head on over to Epiphora's contest announcement to enter:
- [5 entries] Put one of Epiphora's banners on your website. It needs to stay there at least the duration of this giveaway.
- [5 entries] Write a blog post about this giveaway. You can use the photo Epiphora took; just don’t hotlink.
- [1-5 entries] Tweet about this giveaway and follow Epiphora. You may tweet up to five times, and you will get you one entry for each tweet. Sample tweet: It’s a new decade, and I need a new butt toy! RT and follow @Epiphora to win a wooden Romp plug. More ways to enter: http://bit.ly/rompplug
- [3 entries] Subscribe to Epiphora's RSS feed. If you prefer, subscribe via email.
- [2 entries] Comment on the original post telling Epiphora why you need a butt plug upgrade. You can take that however you want, pervs.
- [2 entries] Comment on the original post telling Epiphora why wood intrigues you as a sex toy material. Your reasoning can be either serious or humorous.
Deadline: January 16th, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PST. She will be choosing a winner randomly. You must live in the U.S. to win.
Review: Bend Over Boyfriend
I was looking forward to reviewing Carol Queen's Bend Over Boyfriend DVD from Babeland.com both because of my interest in strap-on sex, and because I've been interested in seeing more of Carol Queen's work.
Bend Over Boyfriend is a part instructional, part erotic DVD that was released in 1998. (A follow-up DVD was released after, with more focus on the erotic.) It was a bestseller when it first came out, during a time period where (I'm under the impression that) not many resources related to sexuality were readily available. Carol and her partner Dr. Robert Morgan spend 30 minutes talking about why people find pegging sexy and how to do it right, and then spend the next 30 minutes giving us a live demo. Interspersed with Carol and Robert's material is footage of two couples, first sitting attentively and watching their own copies of BOB, then trying out the techniques themselves.
Carol and Robert clearly know their stuff. First, they each talk about why a person would find pegging hot, and what they would potentially take away from the experience. Then they delve further into some of its mechanics (which are applicable to couples of any gender combination, but are aimed at opposite sex couples here):
- Common myths about anal sex
- Communication with your partner and why its important
- The prostate gland and how to play with it
- Cleanliness and safety
- Foreplay and prepping (for both the pegger and the... peggee?)
- Choosing lubes, butt toys (plugs, etc), dildoes and harnesses
I know most of the material already, since I've come across it in other writings about anal sex and BDSM, but they go into amazing detail, and I really appreciate that. Their presentation, though, leaves much to be desired. The video quality isn't very good, and at times the camera isn't even in focus (!!!). (The video was independently produced, which might have something to do with it.) Carol and Robert don't really do anything except look directly into the camera and talk. I felt like I was watching a sex-ed video, or was being lectured at by two professors, not unlike those at my college classes:
Carol attempts to change things up interspersing their dialogue with scenes of the couples watching the video, interacting with each other, and prepping each other for sex. This doesn't really help break the monotony, and actually ends up being distracting. I mean, first off, there are a few idiosyncracies from the 90s that I couldn't not notice:
Wha?
And then there's the weird pink or green tint that randomly appears:
Not to mention this babe dressed in nothing but a doctor's coat who pops up every now and then to feed us cheesy one-liners like "A finger a day keeps the doctor away! *WINK*":
???
And, finally, it's just plain distracting to watch people flirt, lick and get fingered, when I'm trying to listen and pay attention to whether I can use oil-based lube with a silicone dildo or not.
Besides those little snatches of erotic scenes, the action doesn't really start until halfway through the DVD. Rapt attention is paid to safe sex in all of the scenes - no one is rimmed, fingered, or fucked without latex gloves, condoms, or cling film (did they not have dental dams back then?). Again, all the scenes are all interspersed with each other. I really would have preferred watching them one by one.
Anyway, first Carol straps on and fucks Robert while he's bent over. It was an interesting scene for me to watch, because Carol and Robert are quite a bit older than me, and when I'm watching porn I don't usually look for people in their age group. The scene didn't make me feel uncomfortable or anything, it was just... interesting. Carol and Robert have wonderful chemistry and obviously get very into the scene. Carol makes sure to keep checking how Robert is doing, and Robert assents breathlessly at things he enjoys. They both reach explosive orgasms at the end. It's very authentic, and their passion made me smile.
And then the two couples, who I creatively dub Couple #1 and Couple #2. I don't think any of them are very experienced with acting in porn. The little dialogue they have sounds contrived, and the sex scenes are awkward at times. But there's something charming about how they aren't pornstars. Since this DVD is aimed at the average Joe, and its message is that anal sex isn't just some crazy thing you see in porn - that anyone can do it - it's kind of appropriate that the actors don't look like they just walked off of a centerfold. That said, I am as superficial as the next person, and certain things about the actors did get in the way of my enjoyment of the scenes.
I wasn't a big fan of Couple #1. I didn't find either of them particularly attractive, and Guy #1 just plain annoyed me. He looks bored the entire time, whether he's watching the video, or watching his girlfriend get naked and try on a strap-on, even when he gets fucked hard up the ass. The height of his excitement is when he says: "oh. Oh yeah." Girl #2 is cute and giggly and a little awkward - quite endearing - but Guy #1's lack of emotion basically ruined the scene for me. I can't even remember much about it now, except that they switch positions a few times, and Guy #1 tells Girl #1 what he wants her to do.
Bored...
Slightly less bored
On the other hand, I really liked Couple #2. Girl #2 is butchyfemmeish and curvy and tasty, and I found Guy #2 so attractive. I think it was the combination of his long hair, slim body, nice ass and air of ambiguous sexual orientation mixed with a healthy dash of expressive sexuality that did it. He's easily the most natural out of the four. He moans and asks for more, and at one point gets on top of Girl #2, grinding himself down on her strap-on and flinging his hair back in rapture. He also plays more with Girl #2's strap on, rubbing against it and giving her a blowjob (yum). They also seem more engaged with each other than couple #1: they look at each other, smile at each other, and seem to be enjoying themselves a great deal. Girl #2 kind of loses interest as the scene wears on, but Guy #2 more than makes up for it. Eventually, Guy #2 comes all over Girl #2's tits.
I really would have liked to see the girls orgasm or get more obvious pleasure out of it, especially since Carol made sure to accentuate that women can get pleasure from pegging as well as the men.
Pegging is already sold on me, so I wouldn't recommend using this DVD as a way to try and convince your lover(s) to try it out with you. Carol and Robert delve very thoroughly into all aspects of anal sex with little or no fluffing. Some would say they're a little bit too thorough. (Did you know anal sex is actually good for hemorrhoids because it increases the blood flow in the rectal area? Or that vegetable shortenings can be used as lube, but smell really bad if you leave a stain?) If you and your partner(s) already want to try it, or if you just want to educate yourself, then go for it.
Personally, I'm happy that I watched it, but would prefer to find something more current. Maybe another one of Tristan Taormino's guides, for instance.
Specs:
- Type: Instructional / porn
- Length: 60 minutes
- Release date: 1998
- Directed by: Carol Queen
- Featuring: Carol Queen and Robert Morgan
- Price @ Babeland.com: $34.95
Three hearts out of five.
This blog contains adult content.
Wilhelmina Wang. Queer, female college student with her mind lodged firmly in the gutter, seeking genderbenders, lessons in BDSM, a meaningful fuck, and a point in life.
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